UK defence chief steps down, accuses Starmer of making Britain 'less safe'
Key takeaways
- British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of failing to provide sufficient funding for the armed forces.
- By: FRANCE 24 Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey walks outside 10 Downing Street, on the day of a cabinet meeting, in London, Britain, June 2, 2026.
- His resignation weakens Starmer's authority at a precarious moment for the Labour leader, a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of failing to provide sufficient funding for the armed forces. The departure deepens pressure on Starmer ahead of a crucial by-election, with Healey warning that the government's delayed long-term defence investment plan could leave Britain vulnerable to security threats.
By: FRANCE 24 Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey walks outside 10 Downing Street, on the day of a cabinet meeting, in London, Britain, June 2, 2026. © Toby Melville, Reuters file photo British Defence Secretary John Healey quit on Thursday, accusing beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the finance ministry of failing to commit enough money to protect the country.
His resignation weakens Starmer's authority at a precarious moment for the Labour leader, a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him.